​Beth Hart (from the album You Still Got Me

​Beth Hart (from the album You Still Got Me

​Beth Hart (from the album You Still Got Me available on Provogue Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
It’s not easy to distinguish one’s self in modern Blues realms. There are those that aspire to be the next Joe Bonamassa or Stevie Ray Vaughn versus those whose devotion to a traditional template puts them in an isolated realm entirely, faithful to the past but reluctant to move the music forward. Consequently, when an artist comes along who’s unafraid to exert an individual perspective and personality, it’s an opportunity to stand out and make a distinct impression. 
 
Beth Hart falls into that latter category, a singer, songwriter, and dynamo of a piano player who’s unafraid to invest her own attitude and emotions into the music she makes. Yes, the sound is soulful and decidedly based in the Blues, but it’s not necessarily bound by any preconceived parameters that might otherwise force her to pigeonhole her approach.  After 28 years of making music and with eleven studio albums to her credit, solid sales, and any number of impressive kudos to her credit as well, she’s earned the right to wear her sentiments solidly on her sleeve. 

Consequently, Hart’s new album, You Still Got Me, finds her doing just that. With a title inspired by her husband’s words of comfort during an especially difficult day, Hart bares her soul and expresses her feelings from a particularly personal point of view. Not that she’s doing it alone; as always, Beth Hart surrounds herself with an impressive roster of creative compatriots. Slash and Eric Gales make cameo appearances while producer Kevin Shirley returns to work behind the boards. Nevertheless, it’s Hart’s passion and prowess that sets these songs apart with a dynamic that’s both durable and distinctive. 
 
“Savior With a Razor” kicks off the proceedings on a particularly dark and dire note, with Slash’s guitar adding that extra edge. “Suga N My Bowl”, the track that features Gales is equally emphatic. Other tracks are similarly demonstrative. “Machine Gun Vibrato” is undeniably ominous. On the other hand, “Never Underestimate a Gal” and “Wanna Be Bad Johnny Cash” come across as romps of sorts, Beth Hart’s piano playing setting the pace and sharing some sass besides. That leaves it to the power ballads “Drunk On Valentine”, “Pimp Like That”, “Little Heartbreak Girl”, “Wonderful”, and the title track to solidify the pace and offer opportunity for some vulnerability to permeate the proceedings. 

As a result, You Still Got Me is both moving and mesmerizing, a dynamic statement of purpose that once again finds Hart eloquently expressing herself through power and passion. It’s nothing less than an astute expression of resilience and resolve. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Beth Hart from AMAZON
For more information, please visit the Beth Hart website